Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middle, NJ (2024 Update)
- Middle Solar Installation Cost: $10,458
- 25-Year Savings: $26,996
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middle
We go over average solar pricing in Middle.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Middle, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Middle homeowner needs a 4.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,458 with the federal tax credit, or $14,955 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Middle homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Middle homeowner can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Middle that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Middle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,960 |
| 3 years | $-5,964 |
| 5 years | $-2,967 |
| 7 years | $29 |
| 9 years | $3,025 |
| 11 years | $6,022 |
| 13 years | $9,018 |
| 15 years | $12,015 |
| 17 years | $15,011 |
| 19 years | $18,007 |
| 21 years | $21,004 |
| 23 years | $24,000 |
| 25 years | $26,996 |
Top Solar Installers in Middle
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Middle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middle
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Middle: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Middle, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Middle have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Middle homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.67 | $15,419 | $16,847 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $22,858 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $29,067 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $35,474 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $42,078 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $48,880 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $55,879 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $63,076 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Middle, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Middle?
The average cost of solar panels in Middle is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.